'Serial rapist' spreads fear in Lund

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A number of attempted rapes against young girls have spread fear in Lund, in southern Sweden, and police now believe a single perpetrator lies behind all of the attacks.

A young woman and several girls, some as young as ten, have recently been attacked in the city's eastern area.

Parents living in eastern Lund have been encouraged to walk their children to school and back, and police have increased their surveillance of the area.

"We believe the same man may be responsible for six separate attempted rapes," said police inspector Stephan Söderberg to newspaper Aftonbladet.

Schools in the area have also raised their guard, to protect their students.

"On Friday we sent home a letter to all students and parents, with recommended measures," said Marie Jönsson, head mistress of Vikingaskolan, to national TV station SVT.

Within just half an hour on Thursday afternoon, two 11 year-old girls were subjected to attempted rapes in the Linero neighbourhood.

According to Aftonbladet, the girls were attacked from behind. One hand was placed over their mouths and another between their legs. The attacker even attempted to cart off one of the girls.

"When the girl screamed he ran away," said Söderberg.

According to several media reports, Thursday's attempted rapes are likely connected to two attacks last weekend, which also occurred in eastern Lund.

"We can't rule out that the perpetrator is the same man," said Håkan Nilsson of the Lund police force to news agency TT.

"It happens in the same area, at roughly the same time in the afternoon. And he acts almost the same every time. There are several factors which feel as though it might be the same man," explained Stephan Söderberg to Aftonbladet.

No suspect has yet been arrested for the crimes.

Lund's police force have now raised their surveillance of the city's eastern areas.

"There are police officers there around the clock now," said Håkan Nilsson to TT.

He explained that they've received several tips from the public. In a bid to learn more, a police bus will be set up in the area on Saturday, which anyone with information on the attacks is encouraged to visit.

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